In the past, lectures were the traditional method of teaching large numbers of students in a classroom. Nowadays new technology is increasingly being used to teach students. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
Sample Response
We have moved into a technology-driven era where technology is affecting many different aspects of our life, and education is no exception. So, in some schools, traditional methods of education have been revolutionised by new technology to the extent that the lecture is no longer the main method of teaching students. While this new approach has some advantages, it also has many significant shortcomings. This essay outlines both the advantages of disadvantages of this novel approach. Perceivably the biggest advantage of the use of the latest technology in education is the flexibility it offers. This is evident in two different ways- firstly, it is now no longer essential for students to be present in the classroom for their courses. The COVID-19 pandemic has specifically taught us how this flexibility could be a lifesaver. Moreover, the distance learning facility enables employed professionals, housewives and people from different countries to enrol and successfully finish useful courses offered by numerous institutes. Another area of flexibility is of course the interactive tools like "Moodles", for example, the lecturers can use to deliver their courses to large numbers of students. Not everything, however, about the introduction of this new technology into education is useful. To start, not all students are comfortable with using technology, even if they are part of the digital native generation. This is a grave issue as they may suffer from their lack of technological skills and interests. For instance, an overwhelming number of students, almost 75%, despite their enthusiasm for smartphones and computers, reported that they do not like online classes. Another related issue is that education is a human activity, and it works best with as much human interaction as possible. Impersonal technology cannot replace the human contact found in traditional face-to-face tutorials and seminars. Thus a piece of technology or tool can never be an alternative to expert tutors who know their students individually and act and teach them accordingly. To conclude, technology in education brings many important benefits and enables distance learning possible. It also becomes the only way of learning and teaching during lockdowns and pandemics. However, we have to keep in mind that it can be too impersonal for some and discourages others for their lack of technological skills or passion.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Correct the pairing Original: of Suggested revision: and Why it matters: And is required to name the two contrasting sides of the discussion.
- 2. Use natural stance wording Original: Perceivably Suggested revision: Arguably Why it matters: Perceivably is unnatural in this evaluative opening.
- 3. Introduce the list clearly Original: ways- firstly Suggested revision: ways: firstly Why it matters: A colon appropriately introduces the first of the two ways.
- 4. Remove redundant adverb Original: now no longer Suggested revision: no longer Why it matters: Now and no longer express overlapping time meanings here.
- 5. Streamline the construction Original: comfortable with using Suggested revision: comfortable using Why it matters: Comfortable can be followed directly by the gerund in this context.
- 6. Integrate the percentage Original: an overwhelming number of students, almost 75%, Suggested revision: almost 75% of students Why it matters: The revised quantifier forms a clear grammatical subject.
- 7. Punctuate the linker Original: Thus a piece Suggested revision: Thus, a piece Why it matters: The introductory linking adverb should be followed by a comma.
- 8. Remove vague wording Original: act and teach them accordingly Suggested revision: teach them accordingly Why it matters: Act does not express a clear additional action in this coordination.
- 9. Fix the verb pattern Original: enables Suggested revision: makes Why it matters: Enable cannot take an object followed by the adjective possible in this structure.
- 10. Express the cause correctly Original: discourages others for Suggested revision: discourages others because of Why it matters: Because of correctly introduces the reason for discouragement.
- 11. Remove redundant wording Original: many different aspects Suggested revision: many aspects Why it matters: Different adds no useful distinction after the broad quantifier many.
- 12. Use a formal transition Original: So, in some schools Suggested revision: In some schools Why it matters: Removing the conversational linker makes the opening more direct.
Suggested Rewrites
- of and
- Perceivably Arguably
- ways- firstly ways: firstly
- now no longer no longer
- comfortable with using comfortable using
- an overwhelming number of students, almost 75%, almost 75% of students
Why this response received Band 7.5
The essay addresses both sides directly and develops a clear, well-organised discussion with relevant explanations and examples. Its main limitation is uneven linguistic precision: several awkward collocations, an unsupported statistic, and a few faulty sentence constructions interrupt an otherwise fluent response. The highest priority is to refine word choice and proofread complex sentences so the strong ideas are presented with consistently natural, accurate language.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Response
Both advantages and disadvantages are fully addressed through relevant, extended ideas and a clear conclusion.
Make supporting evidence more credible and specific, avoiding an unsubstantiated statistic when a reasoned example would be stronger.
Coherence and Cohesion
Information is organised into clear stages with logical progression and generally well-controlled cohesive devices.
Refine punctuation and links within longer sentences so examples and elaboration connect without run-ons or abrupt transitions.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and topic-appropriate, though several uncommon choices and collocations sound awkward or imprecise.
Prefer natural academic combinations and check expressions such as those concerning distance learning, technological skills, and discouragement.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The essay uses a wide range of sentence forms with good overall control, but several construction and punctuation errors remain.
Proofread complex clauses for parallel structure and complementation, particularly constructions such as enable something to happen.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
In the past, lectures were the traditional method of teaching large numbers of students in a classroom. Nowadays new technology is increasingly being used to teach students. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this new approach in teaching?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.